Saints determined to keep the hex on Livi

Aug 5 2008 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

BILL Murray and the fragrant Scarlett Johansson got there first but McDiarmid Park proved an unlikely setting for a “Lost in Translation” sequel.

This time, the lead role was filled by an Italian, fresh to the Scottish football environment, and if Roberto Landi had his way, Derek McInnes and Tony Docherty would be sleeping with the fishes after a weekend fall-out.

An animated Livingston manager claimed the Perth pair had rounded on him at full-time, using the sort of robust factory floor language the delicate Almondvale coach had been spared in 15 years stopping-off in the States, Qatar and Lithuania.

It was, by way of explanation for shunning the customary full-time handshake as yet another Paul Sheerin spot-kick wrapped up three points for a Saints team trusting to 10 men to get the job done after Liam Craig’s 59th minute dismissal.

McInnes, never one to froth at the mouth or lose the plot, was wounded, offended even, at his adversary’s post-match allegations.

A not guilty plea was lodged.

The pair had struck a truce over coffee but if McInnes owned a racehorse it would require round the clock protection.

It didn’t take long for Livi’s summer appointment to introduce himself, but claims of “swearie words” being employed at the coalface of Scottish football – it’s hardly haud the back page stuff, is it?

McInnes feared the rammy would overshadow the football and he called that one right.

But the league table looks the part. That’s after 90 minutes. Perth fans longing for the SPL will be hoping it tells the

same tale after 36 matches.

Following the meek surrender of the Challenge Cup in Dingwall, Saints couldn’t be faulted for their determination to maintain a hex over Livi, who were eclipsed four times last season.

The loss of stand-in full-back Craig demanded a tactical re-think, just four minutes after Peter MacDonald had seized on a close range opportunity, lashing a left foot finish high into the net from six yards after a Martin Hardie set-up saw Gavin Swankie bundled to the turf.

With Craig heading indoors, the result of ensuring lively Leigh Griffith wouldn’t enter the penalty area to test debutant keeper Euan McLean, Saints relied on Kevin James and Kevin Rutkiewicz to preserve the clean sheet which proved so elusive in pre-season.

One alarm aside, when a poked out foot prevented MacKay doing damage, the Perth side saw out the game surprisingly comfortably.

And when dynamic midfielder Chris Millar teased Jason Talbot into a rash challenge in the final minute, Sheerin took up where he left off last season, with a spot-kick buried in the Livingston net. Groundhog Day.

The physical advantage provided by the return of James and Hardie was apparent as short-handed Saints preserved their slim advantage. Even

with several players laid-up, the bench afforded options.

The opening period, following a brief but convincing monsoon, had been open, with both teams committed to attack.

McLean, standing in for Alan Main in the Perth goal, had every reason to be pleased with a couple of saves from Davidson and Griffith.

The first, a fine reflex stop just seven minutes in, proved crucial.

At the other end, uncertain French recruit Pierre Martini was leaving colleagues and manager alike pondering if he was indeed The Right One, although he did deny Hardie an early opener.

With Craig indoors, McInnes drafted in Stuart McCaffrey to hold in midfield and later Derek Holmes was ushered in to harass the Livi backline.

The manager admitted it wasn’t entirely satisfactory but three points is a productive start to the campaign – in anyone’s language.

SAINTS: McLean, Irvine, Craig, Millar, Rutkiewicz, James, MacDonald (McCaffrety 73), Hardie, Jackson (Holmes 80), Samuel (Swankie 46) and Sheerin.

Subs not used: Kelly and Weatherston.

LIVINGSTON: Martini, MacKay, Talbot, McPake, Fox, Innes, McParland (Jacobs 85), Davidson, Cuenca, Griffith and Hamill. Subs: McDonald, Smith, Cave and Jamieson. Referee: Iain Brines.